M6 closed after chemical fire on lorry trailer

A lorry fire on the M6 involving a trailer carrying a large amount of chemicals led to a temporary closure of the motorway and five miles of congestion.

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) said it was alerted to a fire involving a lorry trailer on the M6 between junctions five and six at 11.15pm on 9 August.

Fire crews arrived within five minutes and initially four fire engines and 20 fire fighters attended the scene.

A WMFS spokesman said: “A further three fire engines from West Midlands Fire Service alongside a water pump from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue joined the scene.

“The driver of the vehicle, which was carrying office equipment and a large amount of chemicals, had already disconnected the trailer prior to our arrival when he realised there was a problem.

“Our crew, some of whom were wearing breathing apparatus, worked closely with the police, ambulance service, Highways England and Veolia to make the area safe.”

The spokesman added that there were no reported injuries.

Highways England said the scene had now been cleared and three lanes had reopened, but a spokesman added: “However, the hard shoulder will remain closed for resurfacing to take place tonight (10 August).”

West Midlands police said there had been no arrests.